Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1446087
11 COMMERCIAL 27.1.2022 though the initial financial cost may be higher when compared to traditional grey infrastructure such as pipes, concrete seawalls or road systems, introducing na- ture-based solutions in the mix for infra- structure provision could pay economic dividends in the long-term. Greater ac- cess to greenery in urban environments offers more choice for how people can escape the summer heat, provide space for interaction, while also encouraging them to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of walking instead of travelling everywhere by car. Yet, effective GI demands a mindset change from people, as much as it does in project design. "As a nation, it is vital to understand the importance of contribut- ing to these green corridors as individuals. By installing green roofs or walls, tending a private garden or even adding pot plants to a balcony, with some thought, we can collectively preserve our local natural hab- itat and biodiversity, while enjoying better insulation inside the home throughout the year and boosting the wellbeing of the whole community. Likewise, if more indi- vidual homes, business hubs and public buildings incorporate more greenery, the whole locality becomes more attractive for residents and visitors alike, and may even raise property prices." Integrating the views of the population and other stakeholders, specific elements of GI already feature in national policies and strategic documents such as the Na- tional Environment Policy (NEP), Malta's National Biodiversity Strategy and Ac- tion Plan (NBSAP) and the Strategic Plan for the Environment and Development (SPED). However, Ms Borg explains that GI needs further development to sow the seeds of a greener future in Malta. "To increase the uptake of GI in Malta we need projects across the island to ac- tively incorporate it into their design, not merely to provide greenery for its own sake, but as an alternative option to sup- port the operation of a project in terms of energy efficiency, water management and even in support of improving the neigh- bourhood's amenity value. e pandemic gave us all a greater appreciation for the outdoors, so now is the ideal time to bring nature closer to home, however we can. We must challenge a culture that merely recognises the value of land for its devel- opment potential and work together to- wards greener urban spaces, where both humans and nature can thrive in collab- oration for many years to come," Ms Borg concludes. More information about Green Infra- structure and how you can green your space can be accessed via https://era.org. mt/investing-in-the-multi-functionali- ty-of-green-infrastructure-gi-an-infor- mation-document-to-support-gi-think- ing-in-malta/